Wet-Blue Buffalo Full Grain Hide from Japan
A full grain, unsplit buffalo hide processed in the wet state using chrome tanning (wet-blue), without hair on, and not further prepared beyond the wet-blue stage. It falls under HTS 4104.11.30 as it is specifically a buffalo hide in wet-blue form, meeting the criteria for tanned bovine hides in the wet state. These hides are typically used for upholstery and heavy leather goods.
Duty Rate — Japan → United States
52.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.41.0540%Bovine (including buffalo) and equine leather (provided for in heading 4104 or 4107); goat, kid, sheep and lamb leather, the foregoing dyed, colored, stamped or embossed (provided for in heading 4105, 4106, 4112 or 4113)
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
Import Tips
• Verify the hide is unsplit full grain and in wet-blue (chrome-tanned wet state) with lab tests for compliance; documentation must confirm buffalo origin and no further processing
• Ensure CITES compliance if from wild buffalo sources and provide wet-blue processing certificates to avoid reclassification as raw hides